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Zarzuela

Before Spanish food became trendy, there was Zarzuela, which opened in 1994. It remains one of the best places for tapas. The interior, with stucco and brick walls, feels very European, but the clang of cable cars rolling by on Hyde Street is pure San Francisco. The kitchen creates an excellent version of tortilla Espanola, grilled squid with aioli, and duck leg in prune sauce. While the menu features mostly tapas, there are also a few main courses such as the Castilian-style oxtail stew, a traditional Castilian seafood stew and paella. Service is also warm and professional.